After more than five years at the helm for the Financial Services Roundtable (FSR), former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty recently announced that he will step down from his post in March.
Pawlenty indicated in a press release that he believes he is leaving the advocacy organization as it is well-positioned for future success.
“FSR is now poised to provide even more focused and effective service for our members going forward,” Pawlenty said. “Over the past five years, I have enjoyed leading FSR’s efforts to improve cybersecurity, retirement savings, consumer-friendly financial service technology, and financial literacy.”
News of Pawlenty’s plans to step down met with kind words from bank CEOs and other trade association leaders.
“Tim will be really missed,” FSR Chairman and Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said in the release, “but we are thankful for his effective and collegial leadership on behalf of the financial services industry which helps finance America’s economy and provide the financial infrastructure that every consumer uses every day.”
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Camden Fine touted the positive impact Pawlenty has had on the industry.
“I commend Tim for his work in leading FSR’s efforts over the past five years,” Fine said. “He’s been an incredibly effective leader who has made a positive mark on his organization and the industry. It was always a privilege to work with him when FSR and ICBA’s objectives aligned. I wish him all the best as he moves on to his next endeavor.”
Consumer Bankers Association President and CEO Richard Hunt referenced Pawlenty’s kind demeanor, attributing it to his home state.
“Under his trademark ‘Minnesota nice’ demeanor, Tim has always been a dedicated fellow advocate for the banking industry and a leader on cybersecurity initiatives during his time at FSR,” Hunt said in a release.
There have been reports noting the possibility that Pawlenty could run for political office, including one by Politico quoting his former aide and longtime advisor Brian McClung saying Pawlenty may want another shot at the governor’s chair.
“Gov. Pawlenty is considering running for governor and will be talking with Minnesotans over the coming weeks to assess support and gather advice,” McClung told Politico.
Pawlenty told the Twin Cities Pioneer Press in October 2017 he is “politically retired” but has not ruled out another run for governor, as he remains passionate about helping the state of Minnesota. The newspaper noted that he has been giving speeches at local events about emerging technology in politics, technology in general, employment and questions about privacy and civil liberties.
“In life you never say never because things can change, but I am politically retired,” he told the news outlet.